Newport News has a well developed system of storm sewers, stormwater drainage ditches and retention ponds. The City’s Stormwater Management Division is engaged in continually improving the City’s storm sewer system in order to preserve surface and groundwater quality and prevent intermittent storm flooding. The City has instituted a comprehensive stormwater management policy that is coordinated with its Chesapeake Bay Protection Plan.

In order to fund storm sewer system improvements and other stormwater management efforts, the City has instituted a stormwater runoff fee applicable to all residential, commercial and industrial developed properties. Single-family residents pay a monthly fee of $5.10 per ERU ($2.87 per 1,000 square feet of impervious area), which is appended to the water bill. Multi-family property owners pay a fee equivalent to $25.70 per unit, annually. Commercial and industrial property owners pay a fee of $61.20 annually per 1,777 square feet of impervious area.

Although the City strives to provide adequate storm sewer capacities in all areas of the City, properties with exceptional stormwater management needs may be required to provide on-site stormwater management. On-site stormwater retention is generally triggered when the impervious area exceeds 36% of the overall site area. However, the City operates a Best Management Practices (BMP) Banking Program that may allow on-site retention to be avoided through a contribution to off-site BMP improvements.
Fore more information and assistance with stormwater management issues, contact:

Tan Young, Civil Engineer III
Newport News Department of Engineering
(757) 926-3672
tyoung@nngov.com

Updated 06.24.08